Bill Gates to close foundation (and give away all his money) by 2045

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2:28 pm

Bill Gates Accelerates Philanthropy: Giving Away His Fortune by 2045

Bill Gates, the Microsoft co-founder, is significantly accelerating his philanthropic efforts. He plans to give away virtually all of his wealth through the Gates Foundation within the next two decades, aiming for a net worth close to zero by 2045. This represents a faster timeline than originally planned, with the foundation now slated to close its doors on December 31, 2045.

Gates intends to donate over $200 billion to charitable causes between now and the closure date. The Gates Foundation's primary focus will remain on critical global issues, including ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, eradicating infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty. The foundation, established in 2000 by Bill and Melinda Gates, has already distributed over $100 billion to various charitable initiatives.

This commitment aligns with Gates' long-standing dedication to philanthropy, including his participation in the Giving Pledge campaign, which encourages wealthy individuals to donate the majority of their wealth. Gates, currently the fifth richest person in the world, has already donated a substantial portion of his fortune. His decision to accelerate his giving reflects his desire to address pressing global challenges and ensure his resources are used to benefit others. Gates stated, "There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people."

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